Organization History Montgomery Community Television was formed in 1984 as a nonprofit organization to serve the new cable franchise with public access services. A community task force made the initial recommendations which included its mission, purpose and scope of work. The Task Force identified the following driving principles for its mission.
MCT was initially envisioned as an oversight body with “local programming contractors” providing the direct services. That idea was subsequently changed giving MCT the ability to be the direct service provider. In 1985, MCT began operations in the historic red brick courthouse in downtown Rockville with the hire of the first Executive Director Ralph Malvik. MCT took over public access and government access operations from the cable operator, Tribune United. MCT began playback of programs November 20, 1985, on the public access channel, cable 22 and the government access channel, cable 30. The first live gavel-to-gavel coverage of the County Council occurred on April 20, 1986. In the summer of 1986 MCT launched its Candidates Soapbox, now known as Candidates Forum providing a level playing field for production of four minute statements at no cost. On November 15, 1986 MCT moved into its new headquarters with the first annual awards ceremony. Early in 1987 MCT establishes a new relationship with the County by signing a contract for public access services. One of the provisions of the new contract changes the source of funding from that of being direct from the cable operator, to being from the County. On June 8, 1987 MCT launched automated playback from the Metro Park North location for Cable 49, public access was relocated from channel 22, Cable 55, government access was relocated from channel 30. In addition MCT began providing playback services for the Rockville Channel. The first studio classes begin with the launch of MCT’s new studio over the summer of 1987. In preparation for new services, MCT expands taking on responsibility for local origination or Community Programming including news and community affairs programming. Additional office space is leased and the classroom is transformed into studio B. The Montgomery Channel, initially envisioned as the “Flagship” channel programming the best of access was launched on February 29, 1988. On that same week MCT premiered News 21, Montgomery Week in Review, Montgomery County Means Business and Dance Club 21. In 1989, MCT’s business efforts expanded earned revenue into more commercial production including ad and time sales of channel time. To extend the reach of programming and increasing the number of viewers to build commercial viability, MCT’s shows are distributed into other cable and broadcast markets. The City of Rockville assumed responsibility of playback of the Rockville Channel from MCT. The J.C. Penny shopping satellite service is programmed on the Montgomery Channel but then shut down in controversy in December. In 1990, the County’s Office of Legislative Oversight issues a report studying the relationship between MCT and the County recommending specific modifications to terms and agreements. MCT continues to expand in commercial enterprises in both productions services, such as videos for bands, and airtime sales. In 1991 MCT begins producing You and Your Insurance, Keep Fit America and Gardens of Eden, Open Line Sports and Open Line People. The first Nonprofit Day was held at MCT and the Family Fun Festivals were launched. In 1992 Studio B previously used nearly exclusively for News21 is scheduled to include public access productions. MCT was selected as finalist in the Alliance for Community Media’s Hometown Video Competition for Overall Excellence in Public Access programming. Produced programming includes Real Estate Insiders and In the Garden. In 1993 four of MCT’s programs including one Public Access production are nominated as finalists for the prestigious Cable Ace Awards. MCT offers two one-week TV production summer camps to 30 Blair H.S. students. MCT suspends commercial spot ads and infomercials after adoption of new regulations prohibiting such activity are adopted by the County. County Cable Montgomery assumed responsibility for playback of the government access channel. In 1994 MCT launched Studio 501(c)(3) and produced programming includes Fiscal Fitness. In 1995 the public access series News Counterpoint is nominated for a local Emmy award. The conversion of tape formats from ¾ inch to SVHS begins and studio tube cameras are phased out. Produced series programming included Jewish News and Review. In 1996 Studio B is redesigned to expand into a multi-use studio including installation of cyclorama, lights and an access ramp. Produced series programming included the Gazette Newsmakers. In 1997 seven productions are recognized with awards from the Alliance’s Hometown Video Festival. Volunteer producer Ann Every is recognized at the County Executive’s Ball for the series Art Strokes. Bill Shade is selected as the second Executive Director. In 1998 produced programming included Montgomery’s Most Talented. In 1999 Montgomery Week in Review tapes the 500th episode. The multicultural series Montgomery Mosaic is launched and produced programming includes Healthy Side. In 2000 a three-week production class is offered to the Bethesda Youth Services Junior Leader Group program. Produced series includes Home Smart. In 2001 the transition into digital video begins with miniDV, DVCPro and PC based character generators and a still store. MCT receives an honorable mention in the Alliance Hometown Video Festival for Overall Excellence in Public Access. Six programs also receive top awards. Regular productions included Montgomery Citizen’s Agenda. In 2002, four programs receive awards at the Hometown Video Festival. DVCPro decks are installed in the edit booths. Regular productions included Coming Attractions. In 2003 MCT faced a recommended 40% budge cut and after rallying supporters the Count Council restored some funding resulting in only a 24% reduction in budget. The cuts required a reduction in staffing and reducing the frequency of News 21 production from daily on weekdays, to once a week. The African American Health Program awards MCT a $4,900 mini-grant for the production of three public service announcements. The Alamar playback automation equipment was converted to a digital system by Synergy. Richard Turner was hired as the third Executive Director. ◊◊◊
General Information Administrative Office Hours Facilities Hours ◊◊◊
General Information Administrative Office Hours
◊◊◊ Staff Directory Please note that to avoid spam email, all staff email addresses are not active links. Please copy and paste and remove the spaces.
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updated 10/27/2011 |
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